Namibiaâ??s Minister of Sport John Mutorwa publicly thanked the sponsors of the SADC Zone 6 Youth Games at a press conference at Windhoekâ??s Safari Hotel on June 20.
â??We have many people who genuinely care for the present and future of our youth in Namibia as well as the whole SADC region. I would like to most sincerely thank you, our valued sponsors for your tremendous support. Remember that education is about preparing, refining and moulding the total human being, physically, mentally and spiritually, and in that dynamic process of educating, sport plays a fundamental role,â? he said.
â??The Under 20 Youth Games is intended to give the young athletes an opportunity and platform to showcase their sport talents. These Games also expose our young athletes to professional talent scouts, who can choose them for further focussed and intensive professional coaching and training,â? Mutorwa added.
He said the Games would bring the youth of the region together and enable them to get to know each other.
â??The Games are a concrete and visible manifestation of cooperation and integration in our region. The more than 2 000 young people who will meet here will make friends â?¦ and start a very important process of networking among them. This is not only essential, but also crucial for the future development in commerce, industry and even politics in our region,â? he said.
Mutorwa called on more sponsors from the private sector to come on board, saying that the success of the Games was the responsibility of the whole nation of Namibia.
â??If these Games succeed then the glory will come to the whole of Namibia. But if they fail, it will have a negative effect on our businesses. We must avoid that by actively supporting the spirit and objectives of the Games, in a material, physical, financial and even a moral sense, now and not after July 5, because then it will be too late,â? he said.
Sponsors who will support the Games
Bank Windhoekâ??s total sponsorship of N$538 000 includes a cash donation of
N$150 000 as well as an advertising sponsorship valued at more than N$380 000.
â??As a truly Namibian bank, Bank Windhoek is proud to support the Namibian Government to host the SADC Zone 6 Youth Games. Bank Windhoek has a long and proud history of supporting different sport codes in Namibia. We remain committed to the development of our youth through sportâ?, said Marlize Horn, Senior Manager of Bank Windhoekâ??s Marketing and Corporate Communication Services.
South African Airways, who have agreed to offer discounted rates for the participants travelling from other countries in the region.
MTC sponsored the volunteersâ?? kit and airtime to the value of N$262000.
Coca Cola will provide drinks for the athletes for the duration of the Games.
Puma will provide tracksuits for the officials from the various countries.
Iway will provide an Internet Café at the Athletesâ?? Village at the University of Namibia.
South African cellular provider MTN donated N$500 000 in cash.
Hotel Safari will provide discounted rates for Ministers, the Gamesâ?? organising Committee members and match officials.